Federal Regulations The applicable federal penalties and sanctions for illegal possession of a controlled substance are given on chart B, following pages.
College Disciplinary Sanctions Violations of College policies or local, state, or federal laws prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, distribution, manufacture, or dispensing of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees will be subject to disciplinary action or sanctions in accordance with the procedures set out in this handbook, the Employee Services Manual, the Faculty Handbook, or the applicable Labor Agreement. This handbook contains a detailed discussion of the Albion College Judicial Process which pertains to students. Sanctions for student misconduct include suspension or expulsion from the College. The College also reserves the right to refer to appropriate authorities any situation that comes to its attention relative to the unlawful possession, use, distribution, manufacture, or dispensing of alcohol and illicit drugs. Enforcement of College policies does not preclude criminal prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. It is possible a disciplinary sanction may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.
Health Risks The abuse of alcohol and the use of illicit drugs may result in serious health consequences. It is clear that the use of alcohol and other drugs can be detrimental to the health of the user. Further, the use of alcohol and drugs is not conducive to an academic atmosphere. Drugs, including alcohol, impede the learning process and can cause disruption for other students and disturb their academic interests. The use of drugs in the workplace may also impede the employee’s ability to perform in a safe and effective manner, and may
result in injuries to others. Early diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse is in the best interests of the student, employee and the College. See chart C (following pages) for a description of the health risks associated with specific drugs.
Health Risks Related to Alcohol Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics. Source: “What Works: Schools Without Drugs” (1989) U.S. Department of Education
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